President Donald Trump imposed a travel ban on seven more countries and Palestinian Authority passport holders from entering the United States. On Tuesday, Trump signed a proclamation exoabdubg entry restrictions, the White House said.
The White House described the move as the target countries’ persistent failures in screening, vetting and information-sharing that pose national security and public safety risks.
Under the new order, the United States will bar citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, as well as travelers holding Palestinian Authority-issued documents. The administration also imposed a full ban on Laos and Sierra Leone, which previously faced only partial restrictions. The expanded measures take effect on January 1.
Security Rationale and Syria Focus
The decision came despite Trump’s earlier pledge to support Syria’s recovery following landmark talks in November with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Sharaa, a former rebel leader who ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, has sought international legitimacy and an end to Syria’s isolation.
However, Trump struck a harder tone after a recent attack in Syria killed two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter. The US military said a suspected Daesh attacker targeted a joint American-Syrian convoy before being killed. Trump called the incident “terrible” and warned of “very serious retaliation.”
The White House cited high visa overstay rates and weak document controls to justify Syria’s inclusion. It said Syria lacks a reliable central authority to issue passports and adequate screening mechanisms.
Broader Immigration Crackdown
The move builds on a June proclamation that banned citizens from 12 countries and restricted travelers from seven others. Those measures remain in force and apply to immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students and business travelers.
Trump also added partial restrictions on 15 more countries, including Nigeria, which has rejected claims of religious persecution. Since returning to office in January, Trump has intensified immigration enforcement, citing security concerns after a recent deadly shooting in Washington, DC, carried out by an Afghan national admitted under a resettlement program.
